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311. From trade diplomacy to economic warfare: the international economic policy of the Trump Administration

Author:
Richard Higgott
Publication Date:
06-2019
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Elcano Royal Institute
Abstract:
This paper is an analysis of the discursive practices of the international economic policy of the Administration of President Donald Trump, writ large. Within this conceptual context it offers an empirical case study of the US-China relationship across the spectrum, from tariff conflict through to the growing struggle for control of the 21st century high-technology industries. The argument is that the Trump Administration utilises the discursive practices of what some scholars call ‘securitisation’ (Buzan et al., 1998) through to what might more appropriately be described as a discourse of ‘economic warfare’. The paper is in four parts. Part 1 provides a brief discussion of the changing historical and international context of the study. Part 2 provides a conceptual discussion of the discursive practices of securitisation, economic statecraft and economic warfare on the one hand and the theory of international trade captured in the idea of the rise and fall of mercantilism and its re-emergence in the international economic agenda of the Trump Administration on the other. Part 3 looks at these concepts as they pertain to current US international economic policy. Part 4 concentrates on US policy towards China particularly. The paper concludes with some reflections on the success or otherwise of contemporary US policy
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

312. The bundle of sticks: a stronger European defence to face global challenges

Author:
Pedro Serrano de Haro
Publication Date:
05-2019
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Elcano Royal Institute
Abstract:
After an overview of external challenges, this paper will describe some of the main initiatives developed by the EU in the field of security and defence during the last three years and how this has led to a stronger engagement with key international partners. It will conclude with some reflections regarding the value of the EU as a platform for cooperation to face global challenges and on strategic autonomy.
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

313. The 1981 coup d’état and trial in Spain: possible lessons for Turkey

Author:
Charles Powell
Publication Date:
05-2019
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Elcano Royal Institute
Abstract:
This paper briefly analyses the attempted coup d’état carried out in Spain in February 1981 and the trial that was held in its aftermath, with a view to extracting possible lessons that might prove useful to those currently engaged in post-coup justice in Turkey.
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

314. Legislating for a low carbon and climate resilient transition: learning from international experiences

Author:
Alina Averchenkova
Publication Date:
03-2019
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Elcano Royal Institute
Abstract:
The objective of this working paper is to inform policy experts, legislators and decisionmakers on the recent trends in climate change policy-making around the world and to draw lessons learnt from the experiences with designing and implementing climate change legislation. The study in particular aims to contribute to the current debate in Spain on a draft climate change and energy transition law, as well as aid other countries currently working on climate legislation.
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

315. Poland in Europe: disappointment or merely hiccup?

Author:
Piotr Maciej Kaczyński
Publication Date:
03-2019
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Elcano Royal Institute
Abstract:
What is Poland’s position in the EU in the context of the political and economic developments under the Law and Justice government? Since 2015 the one-party government in Poland has engaged in a policy of a radical change. A set of various reforms have been implemented, some of them highly controversial, such as the reform process in the judiciary. The judicial reforms –or ‘take over’– put the Warsaw government on a collision course with the EU institutions over the rule of law. This paper analyses three aspects of the Polish-EU relationship: (1) the state of the rule of law; (2) the economic challenges; and (3) the political position of Poland among EU member states
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

316. The EU’s role in stabilising the Korean Peninsula

Author:
Mario Esteban
Publication Date:
02-2019
Content Type:
Commentary and Analysis
Institution:
Elcano Royal Institute
Abstract:
This working paper is the result of a process of collective reflection in which many academics and diplomats –with whom I have had extraordinarily fruitful conversations in Brussels, Madrid, Pyongyang and Seoul– have participated. The contributions of those who responded to the policy Delphi that we launched in the spring of 2018, and of the participants in the seminar that we organised at the Brussels office of the Elcano Royal Institute on 5 October 2018, were especially valuable. I would therefore like to explicitly thank Alexander Zhebin, Axel Berkofsky, Bartosz Wisniewski, Charles Powell, Eric Ballbach, Félix Arteaga, Françoise Nicolas, Hideshi Tokuchi, Hiro Akutsu, John Nilsson-Wright, Kim Songyong, Lee Dongmin, Liu Qing, Luis Simón, Michael Paul, Mikael Weissman, Niklas Swanström, Ramón Pacheco, Shin Beomchul and Tariq Rauf for their contributions. I would also like to acknowledge the work of Elisa Lledó in organising the seminar and of Virginia Crespi de Valldaura in helping to prepare this paper.
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

317. Brexit: Time regained

Author:
Andrew Duff
Publication Date:
06-2019
Content Type:
Commentary and Analysis
Institution:
European Policy Centre
Abstract:
The UK has wasted precious time in the Brexit process. A no deal outcome has become the legal and political default. The new prime minister cannot avoid returning to Mrs May’s deal if he is to avoid no deal. Andrew Duff argues for changes to be made not only to the Political Declaration but also to the Withdrawal Agreement itself. One amendment is needed to buy time: the transition period should be made extendable until the final association agreement enters into force. Such a revision will not breach anyone’s red lines, will obviate the need for the Irish backstop, reassure businesses and citizens, and enable an orderly exit. Duff also argues that the British should pay far more attention to the joint governance of the Withdrawal Agreement. The idea that the UK will become a vassal of the EU is nonsense: in fact, the British will be able to wield influence after Brexit if the new prime minister adopts a positive attitude.
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

318. Creating a digital roadmap for a circular economy

Author:
Johan Bjerkem
Publication Date:
05-2019
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
European Policy Centre
Abstract:
The climate crisis, environmental disasters, a lack of competitiveness, falling behind in the digital race… The EU faces multiple challenges that it will need to address if it is to ensure long-term sustainable prosperity for European citizens. At the same time, there are two ongoing transitions – the creation of a circular economy and the digital transformation – that could provide the means to address these challenges, if they are managed well. As the EU and national policymakers are making significant efforts to promote a circular economy on the one hand and a digital economy on the other, Annika Hedberg and Stefan Šipka, together with Johan Bjerkem, argue that it is time to align the agendas as a means to achieve greater sustainability and competitiveness. This publication:
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

319. EPIM Policy Update July 2019

Author:
Katharina Bamberg
Publication Date:
01-2019
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
European Policy Centre
Abstract:
This edition’s special focus examines the results of the European Parliament Elections and what they mean for the reform process of the Common European Asylum System. Other key highlights of this Policy Update include an analysis of the ongoing criminalisation of Search and Rescue activities in the Mediterranean, the situation at the eastern border of the EU, developments on the Visa Code and Returns Directive, and a closer look from the European Summit of Refugees and Migrants
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus

320. Paris-proofing the next Multiannual Financial Framework

Author:
Marco Guili
Publication Date:
06-2019
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
European Policy Centre
Abstract:
A carbon-neutral future, as envisioned by the European Commission in its recent communication A Clean Planet for All, will require unprecedented changes to the EU’s economy and society. The Multiannual Financial Framework for the 2021-2027 cycle, which is currently under negotiation, has an important role to play: overall, the EU budget supports regional development and research in areas that are critical to achieving climate goals, including transport, energy and agriculture. In this Discussion Paper, Marco Giuli draws lessons from the current EU budget cycle and investigates how it has hampered, and even undermined climate efforts, including continued support for practices that contribute to global warming. He also takes a closer look at the European Commission’s 2018 MFF proposal and concludes that, although several innovations concerning climate spending were introduced, there’s still a considerable risk that the new MFF will turn into a missed opportunity.
Topic:
International Affairs
Political Geography:
Global Focus